04/15/2010MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
April 15, 2010
A regular meeting of the West Memphis City Council was held on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 South Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas.
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. Invocation was given by Rev. John Finn, a retired baptist
preacher. Phillip Para, City Clerk, called the roll. Those present were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attorney
David Peep/es, City Treasurer Frank Martin and Councilors, Wi//is Mondy, James Holt, Lorraine Robinson, Tracy
Catt, Ramona Tay/off Herman Co%man and Marco McClendon. Absent. Councilor Taz Tyrone, Phi/lip Carter
and James Pu/liaum. Quorum being present, Mayor Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
MINUTES
Councilor McClendon moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to dispense with the reading of the minutes of
April 1, 2010, and approve them as submitted. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
Councilor Catt was out of meeting room until 1:43 pm. He came in just after the vote regarding the minutes.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Robinson made a motion to read the items in new business by title only, motion was seconded by
Councilor McClendon. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
R-1 A Resolution of the City Council of West Memphis, Arkansas, certifying local government endorsement of
Awesome Products, tnc. to participate in the Tax Bads Program (as authorized by section 15-4-2706(d) of the
Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003)-Located at 110 East Jefferson.
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Catt to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1947.
R-2 A Resolution of the City Council of West Memphis, Arkansas, certifying local govemment endorsement of
Awesome Products, Inc. to participate in the Tax Bads Program (as authorized by section 15-4-2706(d) of the
Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003)-Located at 271 South 7th.
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Catt to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1948.
R-3 A Resolution of the City Council of West Memphis, Arkansas, certifying local govemment endorsement of
Consolidated Grain to participate in the Tax Back Program {as authorized by section 15-4-2706(d} of the
Consolidated Incentive Act of 2003}-Located at 896 South Walker.
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Catt to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1949.
Mayor Johnson explained that the previous three companies are going through major expansions and want to
participate in a state program to refund sales tax on items purchased to be used during construction. This State
Program is helpful in attracting industry. Awesome Products has plans to employ 200 new employees once
construction is finished. Consolidated Grain is located in the county.
R-4 A Resolution authorizing the removal of liens for grass cutting services performed by the City of West
Memphis - 301 South 19"' Street
Councilor Robinson moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the resolution, Upon voice vote, the voting
was unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1950.
R-5 A Resolution authorizing the removal of liens for grass cutting services performed by the City of West
Memphis - 306 South 19"' Street
Councilor Mondy moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting
was unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1951.
R-6 A Resolution authorizing the removal of liens for grass cutting services performed by the City of West
Memphis - 205 South 2"d Street
Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1952.
R-7 A Resolution authorizing the removal of liens for grass cutting services performed by the City of West
Memphis - 526 Belvedere
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Catt to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1953.
R-8 A Resolution authorizing the removal of liens for grass cutting services performed by the City of West
Memphis - 500 North 28"' Street
Councilor Robinson moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting
was unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1954.
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Mayor Johnson gave a brief explanation of why these liens are being removed. He explained that there was a
lapse between when the property was cut and when the lien was placed on the property. In that lapse the
property changed ownership and the new owners would not be responsible for the liens. There are several lien
removals coming through because the County Collector has been posting the last nine years of liens and they are
just showing up on property taxes.
R-9 A Resolution proclaiming National Preservation Month, May 2010
Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor Robinson to approve the resolution. Upon voice vote, the voting
was unanimous. Resolution was assigned No. 1955.
O-1 An Ordinance to amend section 6 of Ordinance 2130 regarding monthly rates for private light electric
service and for other purposes.
City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the FIRST time. Mayor Johnson asked that this Ordinance be read
out; because there was some lighting at Southland Racing and Gaming that needed to be installed. Councilor ;,i
Catt moved, seconded by Councilor Taylor to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on its second reading.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the SECOND time. Councilor Catt moved, seconded by Councilor
Robinson to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on its third and final reading. Upon voice vote, the voting
was unanimous.
City Attorney Peeples read the Ordinance for the THIRD and final time. Councilor Catt moved, seconded by
Councilor Taylor to approve the Ordinance. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. Ordinance was
assigned No. 2247.
Mayor Johnson explained that the changes were: a 1000 watt metal halide was added at a rate of $40 per month,
the rates fora 250 watt high pressure sodium was changed from $8.60 per month to $15.00 per month, and the
rates fora 400 watt high pressure sodium was changed from $10:75 per month to $23.00 per month. These
changes will primarily affect businesses and street lighting. These prices include the light, installation,
maintenance and electricity for the light.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
/nsurance Committee- Councilor Coleman reported that the next insurance meeting will be April 27th. There were
several large claims and rates are expected to increase. There was discussion on how to minimize cost. There
was discussion in starting a mandatory wellness program, .but we are just looking at possibilities to reduce costs.
There. have been. no changes to the plan at this time.
Pub/ic Won~s- Councilor Taylor'reported that there was not a quorum present. A claim was needing to be
resolved, so Councilor Taylor asked that everyone meet for a quick meeting following City Council.
Budget Meeting-Councilor Catt reported that Sales Tax figures were up, but A & P taxes were down.
Fire Commission-Councilor Catt reported that EMS received a grant for $12,000 and received approval to spend
on equipment. EMS collections are running above what was budgeted. There was discussion in updating EMS
charges, they have not been updated in ten or fifteen years. Met with ISA about getting a consultant to come in
.and see how:to restructure the department to maximize equipment and personnel. No changes will be_made that
will jeopardize our 2 rating.
,. Airport Commissron-CouHcilor Robinson reported that the Commission approved ETl's engineering estimate for
the fees associated with the design phase of taxiway A Rehabilitation. The Airport will submit a grant application
to FAA for this project. A portion of an email received from a pilot that had visited the airport commending their
staff and line crew, was also shared. -~
Po/ice Commission- Councilor Robinson reported that the parking ordinance was discussed. 143 felony arrests
were made as well as, 527 misdemeanor arrest. She also made the announcement that there was an ordinance
prohibiting excessive noise from vehicles and the police department will also be cracking down on basketball
goals located in the street. Basketball goals may be picked up if they are placed in the street and the parents
could be fined.
Councilman Coleman brought before the Commission the ongoing drug and violence problem on South 18tH
Street, especially in the 500 block. They discussed how to resolve the problem.
Councilor Robinson reported that over 200 drug related arrests have been made since June 15, 2009.
Crimestopper information can now be submitted online. 348 handicap violations were reported from November ~
2009 to March 2010. There was discussion on trying to find a way to receive more of the funds from money
seized on the interstate. Writing letters to Congressman and Senators to help with this was discussed.
A 2"d chance program was also discussed. Mr. Carl Holden, Northside Development Rehabilitation Center, is
trying to implement this program. The program will be designed to offer comprehensive services to inmates who
return to Crittenden County.
Councilor Robinson reported that Club Unity's alcohol licer~~e were reVAked. There Was an appeal on April 7th,
~hd h11~~-or JQhnsan ht them know that the license werq reinstated.
~aH~~~~u~ C~lem~n ~~~C,~d a~dWt m0~le~s or I®ck d~ ~,~f~i~r~ ~n~ i~ thQra was a II~vV ~~airi~t noise #rom ~~~flers,
He alsp Wanted !e- k~dwr, if Hre pull Mu~'I~rs o~ cars, can they be driven on thQ et~eet. Q~ A#te~rne~- lmeeplea told
him that there was a state law concerning mufflers. The State Law requires that any motor vehicle operating on
the streets in the State of Arkansas are required to meet the requirements regarding mufflers. He believes the
factory required specifications are required to be met.
Park Commission- Councilor Holt reported that there was a 37 team tournament at Tilden Rogers Park this past
weekend and it netted $5,500.00 in revenue. He would like to find a way to pinpoint where visitors are coming
from. There is going to be a softball tournament this weekend. The next park commission meeting is the second
Tuesday of May.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Ms. Batson - 2300 S LHenry- wanting to complain about problems she was having on her property. She
reported that there was standing water in her yard and it was not drying up. She believes the problem stems from
the property behind her. The property has been built up and all of the water is draining into her yard. She also
has a problem with people cutting through her yard and standing around in her yard from the apartments behind
her. Ms. Batson would like for the apartment complex to install a fence around their property, instead of her
having to install a fence to keep their occupants from cutting through her yard. There was discussion of whether
or not the plans for construction showed a fence being built. Ms. Batson was asked to visit with the Planning and
Development Department after she leaves the council chambers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Johnson announced that the charity money is available for distribution and asked for everyone to bring
their distributions to the next council meeting.
Councilor Robinson wanted to make a distribution today. Her distribution was to American Legion in care of the
Girls State for $250.00.
Councilor McClendon made a motion to accept these distributions; motion was seconded by Councilor Coleman.
Upon voice vote motion was unanimous.
Councilor Coleman also wanted to make his distribution. He wanted $483.04 to go to the 8th Street Mission and
$600 to go to Word on the Move Ministry.
Councilor McClendon made a motion to accept these distributions; motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor.
Upon voice vote motion was unanimous.
Mayor Johnson announced that the Men's Ministry of Old St Paul was having a Financial Expo on Saturday, April
24th from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at the Old St Paul Campus at 504 South 8th. This event is free to the public. He
also announced that the Crittenden County Chapter of the NAACP was hosting a political Forum for State
Representative District 54 at the Neighborhood Center, 1300 East Polk on April 19th at 6:30 pm.
Mayor Johnson announced that the 7th Annual Gumbo Fest is Saturday, April 17th from 12:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Business after Hours is this evening. It is being hosted by Burris Orthodontist from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
City Treasurer Frank Martin announced that their was an additional $4,048.72 in Disaster Relief funds that need
to be divided. Normally those funds are divided between the Good Neighbor Center and Delta Neighborhood
Action Council.
Councilor Coleman made a motion to divide the funds 50/50. Motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor. Upon
voice vote, motion was unanimous.
Councilor Mondy wanted to know who to speak to about getting a crossing guard at Walker and Broadway. He
was told to talk to Mike Allen. Councilor Coleman suggested that a bus shelter also needs to be at that location.
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Robinson molded, seconded by Councilor
Taylor to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this ~~ day of May, 2009.
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WILLIAM H. JOHNSO ,MAYOR
ATTEST:
PHIL ,CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by Rhonda Standridge, Jr. Deputy City Clerk